breathing problem

I know many of you might have experienced this before, but I would appreciate for those of you who have, pls share your experience with me as I keep thinking that anytime I'm going to have an heart attack soon.

I had a panic attack few months back. I'm currently doing a part-time course with full time work and with family commitments, and have been feeling rather worn down for the past 2 years. Anyway, the attack came in the middle of the night. I had heart palpitations, cold sweat, racing heart, and difficulty in breathing. The doctor diagnosed it as a panic attack, but I insisted on a ECG to rule out possible heart problems. This he did for me, and it was ok. I thought the symptoms would pass but it late came back on and off.

Recently, I'm having my exams and it seems worse. My chest feels so tight everyday, and I have to make conscious effort to breath deeply each time when I felt smothered. Maybe it's due to my too-conscious breathing, but I'm feeling muscle pain along my chest, especially my left side. This causes me more worry as I'm worrying about heart problems again. I had actually consulted my doctor a few times and everytime he would diagnosed anxiety attacks when I would question him if my heart has problems. I wonder if I should do another ECG again for peace of mind? On certain days, I would be fine, but the breathlessness would come again after that. Now I noticed when I'm dropping off to sleep, I will awaken myself up with a snore that I can feel creeping up my nose. It's a weird feeling as I've seldom snore in my life before the panic attack.

Sorry for the long posting. Would appreciate any advice from anyone. Tks.

I suffer from panic attacks but with different symptons to you dizziness, nausea trouble breathing mainly. However, i know that many people fear that they are having a heart attack when they experience a panic attack and so maybe this is what is happening to you?

I'm reluctant to say this is definately what's happening though because it may be that you do have heart problems as well. Maybe for your own piece of mind go for the test again but maybe with a different doctor so that way you have two medical opinions.

Do you notice the symptons of your panic attack at times when you would normally be relaxed and not panicking? The pressure of your exams certainly seems to be contributing to your anxiety so maybe try relaxation techniques to help you become calmer again.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help,

take care

Hi there,

I also suffer from the feeling of that I am going to have a heart attack. I have had a ECG done as well and it ruled out any heart problems.

I think it is common to feel this the more we get stressed out.
I also find the more stressed out I get the more I feel like I am going to die which is a huge fear of mine. I get dizzy as well and my de realization increases.

I can't rule out that you have a heart problem but what you have wrote sounds very simaliar to what I experience.

Hope this helps

Momof2

Everything that was described in your post are classic symptoms of anxiety and panic. I've dealt with that many times, still do but they always pass. You have to remind yourself that it does, and that you will be o.k no matter how uncomfortable it is, it will and always does pass.

Also in terms of the breathing, do something relaxation, abdominal breathing does wonders for anxiety and panic.